A hacker known as “CyberLeek” has been spilling the secrets of Rockstar’s GTA VI, one of the most eagerly anticipated games of all time.
The hacking group (or possibly individual) has released several clips of GTA VI gameplay footage, a world map and a few unconfirmed details regarding the game.
Many of the clips have since been taken down by copyright strikes.
Social Media Reacts To The ‘GTA VI’ Leaks
On social media, the reaction was mixed, some gamers welcoming news of the much-anticipated title, while others were concerned that the spoiler-filled leaks were posted out of context, misleading fans.
Criticism is to be expected in response to an early reveal, especially when expectations are high (just look at the reaction to the first Odyssey trailer), and some gamers reacted to the GTA VI leaks with disappointment.
While it’s impossible to know how accurately Grand Theft Auto VI is being represented by the leaks, many online commentators were unimpressed by the sluggish movement on display and the familiarity of the gameplay.
Others were dismayed to learn that the game was introducing controversial mechanics, such as vehicle fuel and in-game currency.
Microtransactions are considered the scourge of the modern gaming landscape, and CyberLeek claims that GTA 6 contains an in-game currency that can be bought for real money, comparing it to Roblox’s “Robux.”
The currency claim is unconfirmed, but the online versions of GTA V and Red Dead Redemption contain similar features.
It’s been more than thirteen years since GTA V was released—GTA VI, a billion dollar sequel, has been criticized for embodying the bloated excesses of the gaming industry.
Why Is ‘CyberLeek’ Posting ‘GTA VI’ Leaks?
CyberLeek claims to be acting in the public interest, the leaks motivated by alleged anti-consumer practices of Rockstar and other publishers.
The stated motivation for the leaks is spelled out in a manifesto, and much of it focused on criticizing Rockstar for failing to offer gamers the chance to buy a physical disc copy of GTA 6, a deeply unpopular move in the gaming community (Sony is set to halt the production of physical games in 2028).
“Publishers sell licenses and call them purchases,” the manifesto states.
“They ship unfinished games and call them living services. They lock content on discs and call it DLC. They kill games and keep the money. Every year anti-consumerism tightens its grip, and every year gamers get less for what they pay.”
The leaks are labelled with a watermark that advertises a cryptocurrency, featuring clips of GTA 6 protagonist Jason driving, smashing into another car, beating a man to death with a wrench and going on a stabbing spree in a homeless encampment—so far, very Grand Theft Auto.
The leaks also included a cheeky clip of a game cutscene in which a character brags about being untraceable, thanks to his VPN usage, which was widely interpreted as CyberLeek mocking Rockstar.
CyberLeek has even threatened to release the ending of the game, sparking alarm from fans on social media.
One clip showing the hacker writing “Leek” on a wall with bullets variety led some to suspect that the hacker has access to a playable version of the game.
The chaotic leaks are far removed from Rockstar’s cautious, careful release of curated content—Grand Theft Auto VI has one official trailer, and the next glimpse of gameplay was meant to be unveiled on Netflix, of all places, on August 27.
Netflix hosting an exclusive “extended look” at an incoming game is an unprecedented marketing tactic that speaks to the size of the launch, but the leaks have beat the streaming giant to the punch.
Some commentators posted jokes and memes speculating on the fate of the leaker against Rockstar’s legal team.
Many came to the conclusion that the game seemed to take much inspiration from Red Dead Redemption 2—opinions were mixed as to whether that was a good or bad thing.
The wait has been very long (to the point where GTA 6’s ever-out-of-reach release date became a popular meme), and some fans have really gotten their hopes up.
Those expecting GTA 6 to be a transcendent, life-changing experience might be disappointed.
Gameplay-wise, GTA isn’t a franchise that has changed a great deal over the years—the basic formula remains the same, more or less, but the visual polish, environmental complexity, NPC behaviour and story tend to go in interesting new directions.
I’ve reached out to Rockstar for comment on the situation, but the publisher has not publicly responded to the leak crisis—it’s unclear how far things will go.